Harper College offices will be closed Monday, September 2 in observance of Labor Day.
Located in Building D, Room D-281 (above Starbucks)
Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Please note: Access to the Lobby varies based on the day as many meetings and events take place throughout the week. You can view the most up-to-date Cultural Center Calendar HERE.
Under the vision of Dr. Avis Proctor, Dr. Tamara Johnson led the opening of the Cultural Center in November 2021, thanks to the research and request of many Harper employees and students. Overseen by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Cultural Center at Harper College is a culturally-affirming, educational lounge and event space for students and employees. Serving as an academic and social counterspace (learn more about counterspaces below), employees and students are encouraged to build connections, express their identities and values, engage in dialogue, and enjoy a place where they can have a sense of belonging on campus. Dr. Brittany Barber serves as the Manager of the Cultural Center.
The Cultural Center enhances the Harper community by:
Stop by and see for yourself why over 4,300 people attended the Cultural Center in 2023-2024!
When the doors are open, so are we! Expect to be greeted by a Cultural Center Student Aide at the front desk. You'll be asked to provide your Harper ID number to check in. Once you enter, you may notice vibrant music playing, overhear conversations at different couches and tables, see colorful artwork on the walls, and see diverse groups of people laughing and talking. Enjoy the lounge space and kitchenette, read a book on our shelves, play a game, and participate in one of our many, regular programs! Want to be in the space but you need something a bit calmer? Relax in our Sensory Room, located inside the Cultural Center near the front desk.
The Cultural Center hosts a variety of opportunities for Harper faculty, staff, and
students to get involved. If you are a student organization or employee department
seeking to host an event in the space, please click the link below to submit your
reservation request. Cultural centers were founded in the 1960's by Black students
in response to hostile conditions on predominately white college campuses. It is because
of their courage and activism, that cultural centers are present today. Historically
and currently, cultural centers serve as safe spaces, particularly for those individuals
with marginalized identities.
When designing programming and resources, we often seek to address the data reflecting
our largest equity gaps. Accordingly, the reservation form was updated to request
that those interested in reserving space articulate how their prospective event aligns
with the purpose of the Cultural Center.
The Cultural Center offers:
Counterspaces can provide opportunities to increase human, cultural and social capital that is often limited to lower-income and racially marginalized communities. They provide space for students and employees who come from oppressed and marginalized populations to feel validated and appreciated for their stories, and allow them to unpack other challenges and questions they have.